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EAC pushes to improve horticulture production

The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), in collaboration with Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), Tanzania Agricultural Productivity Programme (TAPP) and iAGRI, have developed a technology training programme for EAC farmers. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Gerald Monella of SUA explained that drip irrigation in horticulture can increases crop yields and benefit commercial farmers. Prof Monella called on the government to set up conducive environment in partnership with related companies in order to ease access of modern agriculture for small-scale farmers to fully engage in modern farming and thus improve agricultural sector. On the other hand, an Agricultural Manager with TAHA, Mr Kitururu Mbwambo added, "Apart from providing them with knowledge and skills on how to improve their productivity, the training also aims at equipping stakeholders and farmers with means of acquiring reliable markets, ways to organize and manage cooperative units and financial issues." In sum, the key message was reinforced that quality standards for horticultural crops can satisfy customers' demand and meet regional market requirements.